This fully asynchronous course is a book study of Dr. Jason Colby's 2018 book Orca:  How We Came to Know and Love the Ocean's Greatest Predator. Colby looks at how public perceptions of orca whales have changed over time, from being seen as dangerous predators to being revered as an icon of the region. A former commercial fisherman and now a scholar at University of Victoria, Colby uses his own family history as well as historical and scientific sources. He examines how human interactions with orca whales have impacted the species, including the decline of southern resident orca whales due to diminished salmon runs and polluted waters. Colby also surveys the impacts of tourism on the Salish Sea as the Pacific Northwest moved from an economy oriented around extractive industries to one based on tourism and activities such as whale-watching. Participants will a submit a pre-reading introductory assignment, answer guided reading questions, review reactions to the book and teaching materials related to orca whales, and reflect on how they can apply the insights from the book to interdisciplinary teaching. Completion of the course offers an opportunity to purchase 20 clock hours in STEM. NWESD 189 is a state approved clock hour provider and clock hours can be used for certificate renewal in Washington State.

The book is available for purchase as a paperback, hardcopy, or audiobook through the following book sellers or libraries may have the book available to check out:

1. Watermark Book Company
2. Village Books
3. Oxford University Press
4. Amazon

Deadline:  Participants must complete this session in Canvas by July 15, 2026. Course attendance is taken on an on-going basis after participants finish, often within 3-5 days, though during rush periods and holiday breaks please be aware it may take up to 2 weeks.